4 Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options

4 Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options

Environmentally Friendly Roofing

March is the beginning of spring time. Everything in the Northern Hemisphere warms up, bloom and blossom. Life is back after the cold winter. March is also the blessed month of Earth Day. Perhaps it’s earth day, or the beginning of spring, but during this time we seem to have an extra mindfulness of the environment.

Today we are going to cover 3 Environmentally Friendly Roofing options. We are also going to take a special look at the growing popular green roofs.

1.Metal Roofing-

Metal roofs tend to be at the top of the list when it comes to eco-friendly roofing. Because they’re metal panels, they can be manufactured easily from recycled materials. Metal roofs are also reflective which lowers the overall cost of your home energy. The durability and longevity of the materials allows for a smaller environmental footprint.

They are more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs, but perhaps it’s durability and longevity compensate for the upfront cost.

2.Tile Roofing-

Clay and slate tile roofs are great for roofs for the same reasons metal roofs are. They can easily be recycled, are easily made from recycled materials and last a long time. However, they come at a higher price than metal roofs, yet they DO last longer than even metals.

3.Solar Panels-

Solar panels are great products to help reduce your carbon footprint. They take the extra energy from the sun and allow your home to use it for energy. Even though they have dropped in price, solar panel systems run on average between 10 and 15 thousand dollars. This does not include the actual roofing that is to be installed along with the system.

A more expensive option is Elon Musk’s solar tiles. They look better than solar panels but are an entire roofing system. Those tiles are extremely expensive. Also, with how new the product is, the jury is still out as to if they live up to all their hype.

4. Solar Tubes-

Solar tubes are becoming quite popular! Like a skylight, they let in natural light- they’re just more manageable! Even though they are not as large as a skylight, the reflectivity of a solar tube can light up a room just as efficiently. Smaller areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms can be less gloomy with a simple solar tube. Contrary to a skylight, solar tubes are less expensive, less maintenance, last longer and keep in/out the heat more efficiently! They are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint at an affordable price.

Wait, what about green roofs?

Green Roofs-

Now green roofs have a lot of hype these days. They’re great for apartment roof tops and industrial areas where growing gardens and extra oxygen. However, they are extremely difficult to erect and maintain. Roofs need to be assessed by a structural engineer to determine if the roof structure can hold the enormous weight of the soil needed for the rooftop garden. To structurally alter a building is both expensive and timely. While, the idea of a green roof is amazing, if you’re a regular homeowner, you may not be able to afford the set up.

If you choose to opt for a green roof, please make sure that you follow the guidelines necessary to keep the integrity of your structure. If you’re still inclined to go the green roof route, here is a step by step tutorial that someone was kind enough to share! http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-Living-Roof-Green-Roof/

Looking for a metal or tile roof? Want a skylight or solar tube installed? We can help you out! Contact us at 360-652-4300 for a free estimate!

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2 thoughts on “4 Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options”

Denton Roofer March 22, 2018 at 12:58 am

Excellent list of the best roofs and metal roof takes the cake for all the right reasons, strength, durability, could be recycled, better resistance to the extreme weather and now comes in various colors and style. Solar roof is definitely one for the future, Tesla’s are expensive but other players are fast emerging through merger and acquisitions, so in future we can see lots of quality products at very competitive rates.

lauraweldon05 March 22, 2018 at 2:57 pm

Yes, I think more people wouldn’t mind paying more for a solar tile, within reason. I know I personally would pay a bit more for the tiles so that I could benefit from solar power without those huge solar panels on the roof. It will be exciting to see what this technology does to the solar power market!